Guardian Ad Litem

16th Judicial Circuit - Monroe County

ABOUT US

The Guardian Ad Litem Program is a state agency that advocates for the best interest of the children alleged to be abused, abandoned, or neglected who are involved in court proceedings. The program uses a team approach to advocate for the children, lay volunteers, child advocate coordinators, and attorneys. We are the voice of the child. Guardian ad Litem is appointed by the court, and trains volunteers to appear in court on behalf of the children that we serve. Together we collect comprehensive information about the child and family, attend hearings, and take steps to further the child’s best interests. Our volunteers visit the child monthly in the home environment and make recommendations to the court as to the child’s best interests, and inform the court of the child’s wishes. We also monitor the child’s safety and well-being, as well as significant changes in the parents’ lives, which could impact the child’s safety.

BECOME A CHILD ADVOCATE

Too many children in the child welfare system lose their families, lose their rights and their hope. You can be a child advocate, especially now! You can be the voice for a child that has been abandoned, abused or neglected. Join our fight to make sure they don't. Click on the links below for more information.